Myths and Facts About Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with rates on the rise around the world. Although you may feel embarrassed to confront this topic, it’s nothing to be ashamed of — you just have to practice safer sexual practices, like using condoms, dental dams, and having fewer partners, and also know that it requires antibiotics. 

Here, our providers at Cermak Immediate Care explain more about this infection and how you can prevent it.

What is gonorrhea?

Sometimes called “the clap” or “the drip,” gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection you can get from oral sex, anal sex, or sexual intercourse, or by sharing sex toys with an infected person.

Let’s look at some of the myths and facts about gonorrhea.

Myth: 

Gonorrhea always goes away with antibiotics.

Fact:

Some strains of gonorrhea are becoming antibiotic-resistant. They’ve found such cases all around the world and in the United States, too. That’s why it’s essential to come in for follow-up testing so we can make sure the infection is gone.

Myth: 

You will know if someone has gonorrhea.

Fact:

Gonorrhea doesn’t usually cause symptoms in its early stages. But, if a person isn’t practicing safe sex, it’s a possibility that they could have the STI. 

Myth: 

Gonorrhea is always symptomless.

Fact:

Gonorrhea can cause symptoms, such as a sore throat or other throat issues like an itchy feeling or difficulty swallowing. Another gonorrhea symptom is related to your anus, including itching, discharge, or pain when you have to poop.

Symptoms in women

Women face greater risks of gonorrhea and have symptoms including:

• Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be white or yellow
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain when urinating

You should always get tested right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Symptoms in men

Men can also experience symptoms that include:

• Discharge from the penis, which may be white, yellow, or green
• Swollen testicles and pain in the testes
• Pain or burning (which may be severe) when urinating

It’s important to get tested and follow our directions about treatment.

Myth: 

Gonorrhea doesn’t have any serious consequences.

Fact:

You might think that gonorrhea will go away on its own without causing future problems, but this simply isn’t true. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause the following issues:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease in women
• Infertility in either gender
• Eye problems in the babies of birthing parents if the mother is infected
• Joint pain and inflammation
• Damage to the urethra or testicles in men
• Damage to the prostate in men

Clearly, gonorrhea is serious. Fortunately, it’s also curable and preventable by practicing safer sex. 

To get tested for gonorrhea, we take walk-in appointments and can make testing a quick and easy process. Contact us at Cermak Immediate Care today or request an appointment online. We’re here to serve you in several locations, including Cicero, Berwyn, Little Village, and North Lawndale, Illinois.